Opening session of SSIC slated for today

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Sen. Togiola T.A Tulafono announced during yesterday’s Senate session that the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC) is meeting today, Friday, to review and adopt rules to conduct the investigative panel’s probes and hearings and also to set an agenda moving forward.

The SSIC, chaired by Togiola, was approved last month by the Senate and the panel delayed its work until the rules, being drafted at the time, were complete before being presented to the committee for review and adoption.

Togiola informed senators yesterday that the SSIC meeting is to be held after today’s Senate session, with the draft rules completed and would be distributed to the committee for review, discussion, and approved before setting the next course of action, in the coming days.

The resolution establishing the SSIC clearly states that the committee shall adopt rules consistent with provisions of local statute, to govern its proceedings and conduct its hearings, with an oath taken prior to taking any testimony, the subpoena of witnesses and subpoena duces tecum of government or private documents, records, files, records in digital format, emails, reports, etc., and other rules that the committee deems appropriate.

The resolution also cites a wide range of issues for the SSIC probe and this includes a review of the government’s operations and financial condition as well as federal assistance, such as funds relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the Senate session earlier this week, Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono called for the SSIC to proceed with its investigation and called for a probe into the community spread of COVID-19. Issues cited for the committee probe, include the cause of the community transmission, how COVID-19 tests are done in Honolulu, and COVID-19 Task Force policies.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean responded that the rules to conduct the committee’s work need to be adopted first before going forward.

OTHER SENATE MATTERS

Also at yesterday’s session, the Senate — in an unanimous 14-0 vote — approved the governor’s nomination of Faifaimalie Paselio A. Paselio Jr., to the ASG Commerce Commission — which regulates public transportation. Faifaimalie represents the Eastern District on the Commission. 

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga had initially submitted last year, his nomination of Dr. Fale Uele to represent the Eastern District, but he traveled off island at the time of the Fono confirmation hearings,.

“Due to the unavailability of the nominee and urgent need of members in order for the commission to make a quorum,” the governor informed Fono leaders last month that he has rescinded Dr. Uele’s nomination to the Commission and appointed Faifaimalie.

Prior to the Senate vote, Faifaimalie — a military veteran — appeared yesterday morning for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, where Sen. Magalei Logovi’i asked the nominee — if fully confirmed by the Fono — to have the commission look into and review, the possible ban of 4-wheel trucks converted to aiga buses. His concern deals with the safety of such buses on the road.

Committee chairman, Sen. Uti Petelo gave final comments during the less than 10-minute hearing, and asked the nominee to have the commission review safety issues pertaining to public transportation, especially buses and take into serious consideration Magalei’s request.

Faifaimalie’s confirmation hearing and vote is pending in the House.